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Abu Dhabi Supermarkets Remove Junk Food from Temptation Zone

Healthy Living programme swaps impulse snacks for better choices at checkouts and aisle ends

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Abu Dhabi Supermarkets Remove Junk Food from Temptation Zone
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Your next supermarket trip in Abu Dhabi may look a little different.

If you have ever picked up a chocolate bar or a bag of chips while waiting at the checkout, you are not alone. But those quick impulse buys may soon become less common.

Read More: Where Shrinkflation Is Hiding On Supermarket Shelves

As part of Abu Dhabi’s Healthy Living programme, supermarkets across the emirate are removing unhealthy snacks and sugary drinks from what are known as “temptation zones”.

What are temptation zones?

Temptation zones are the parts of a supermarket where shoppers are most likely to make an unplanned purchase.

  • Store entrances
  • Ends of aisles
  • Checkout counters

These busy spots are usually filled with chocolates, crisps, soft drinks and other treats. Now, many of these spaces are being replaced with healthier food and drink options.

Shoppers are noticing the change

Many residents say the new setup is helping them stay focused on their shopping list and avoid extra snacks.

Parents, in particular, have welcomed the move. They say checkout counters have always been a challenge when shopping with children. Others believe replacing sweets with healthier items can support better choices without making families feel restricted.

Part of Abu Dhabi’s bigger healthy living plan

The supermarket changes are only one part of Abu Dhabi’s wider Healthy Living programme. The goal is simple: make healthier choices easier for everyone.

Recent initiatives include:

  • Nutri-Mark labels that grade packaged food from A to E based on nutritional value
  • Working with food makers to reduce sugar in everyday products
  • Promoting healthier food choices in schools
  • Reducing the visibility of unhealthy foods and drinks

One example is Al Ain Farms, which recently said it will reduce added sugar by 10 to 20 percent in selected juices, flavoured milk, yoghurt and laban as part of the wider healthy living strategy.

The aim is simple: make the healthy choice easier

Instead of banning certain foods, Abu Dhabi is changing what shoppers see first.

So next time you are at the checkout, do not be surprised if you see fruit, nuts or healthier drinks where chocolates used to be. It may make it easier to say no to impulse buys.

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AI contributed to the creation of this article.

 

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